SECURITY PEST ELIMINATION

Serving Cambridge Mass Since 1993

Spring Ant Control Deal

Cambridge MA Carpenter Ant Treatments $20 OFF

Carpenter Ants

The most common ant in the Cambridge Ma area which causes home owners to seek professional ant control help is the Carpenter Ant (Camponotus spp.) They are the most noticeable of ants in and around our Cambridge MA homes. Carpenter ants are large blackish ants with some faintly colored grayish bands on their abdomen. Other carpenter ants may have some reddish or purplish coloration to the thorax (middle body part). Foraging workers have large mandibles which can give a powerful bite. They vary greatly in size, depending on their function, from 1/4 to 1/2 inch (minor workers), 1/2 to 3/4 inch major workers and 3/4 to 1 inch long winged reproductives. Most carpenter ants seen inside your home are the wingless minor workers that make up most of the colony. They are black medium sized ants. Carpenter ants can cause serious damage to wood by excavating galleries, which somewhat resembles the work of termites but can be distinguished by their very clean sandpapered appearance. Sawdust or wood shavings known as frass found in and around the home is usually an indication of a nest being excavated nearby, but very often it goes unnoticed because the wood shavings are being deposited inside your walls. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they rip it apart with their front mandibles for nesting. Moisture is a desirable condition for ant colonies, and wood which has been water damaged is a prime target for new nests, although perfectly dry and sound wood is also excavated. Galleries are cut with the wood grain and major workers then carry the developing larvae from the outside nest ( around 30,000 ants) to the new satellite colonies in nearby homes. These secondary nests can have up to 3,000 workers.

Carpenter Ant Treatment

We use a low toxicity odorless treatment to prevent or eliminate carpenter ant infestations. Our treatment not only eliminates the carpenter ants you are seeing, it also eliminates the hidden carpenter ant nests in your walls. This is where the real damage is occuring. Note: To prevent a re-infestation, a carpenter ant treatment should be done on an annual basis before May 20th. After the middle of May, homes that are located within the 300ft. range of an outside carpenter ant colony might already be re-infested. This is because the carpenter ant workers might have already hollowed out some new wood in your home to move the newly developing larvae into. Besides individual carpenter ant treatments, we offer annual service plans that schedule their spring-time preventative treatments before this important date.

Carpenter Ant Damage

The most susceptible areas of your home to carpenter ant damage are where decks connect to your home, window sills, corner exterior sections and under any doorways. They can however be found almost anywhere in the house. Once inside the home, ants can quickly travel along water pipes and create satellite colonies in walls and upper levels going undetected until the nest reaches maturity. When this happens, not only is wood being destroyed, but on the first warm day in spring, the nest blossoms and hundreds of ants can come pouring out into your home, prompting a frantic phone call for HELP to someone like Security Pest Elimination! Regularly seeing carpenter ants in your home is a good indication that there is a nest somewhere in the wood structure and carpenter ant damage is happening nearby. Seeing winged swarmers is a definite sign of a nest because carpenter ant swarmers do not forage for food, but leave a mature nest only to mate and start a new colony. If you live within 300 feet of an outside carpenter ant nest your home will be under siege on an annual basis from these ants. They will move their developing larvae every year from the main nest into your home. To prevent them from doing this your home needs to be treated every year. This way the first round of scouts will die and the colony will not select your home for a satelite colony that year. Timely annual Preventative Treatments are a must if you wish to protect your home from carpenter ant damage.

Carpenter Ant Queen

Carpenter Ant Queens can live for over 20 years. When she gets too old, the colony just selects one of the other large female reproductives to become the new queen. Most of the eggs in a carpenter ant colony are laid by the many female reproductives. Individually though, the queen being the largest, lays the most eggs. Note: The carpenter ant queen lives outside in a tree. When you find a very large winged carpenter ant inside your home it is not the queen, it is just one of many large female reproductives that have just swarmed from a nearby carpenter ant sattelite colony (most likely from a nearby window, wall or sill area).

Sugar Ants – Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants Pushing-up Sand Along Walkway

Sugar ants are light to dark brown with a reddish tint. They are the same ants as the ones above we’ve referred to as pavement ants. Appendages are usually lighter than the rest of the body. The size of the sugar ants within a colony will be very consistent averaging one-tenth of an inch, although the winged reproductives can be much larger. Sugar ants prefer sandy soil and usually live underground, but nests can also be found indoors in walls and under floors. Sugar ant colonies commonly number around 500,000 and can be a tremendous nuisance, invading buildings throughout the year, foraging for food. All it takes is for one sugar ant to find a piece of food, and in a short amount of time, the area will be covered by sugar ants. They accomplish this by laying down a pheromone trail from the food source to the colony. The sugar ants underground in the colony simply follow the chemical (pheromone) trail back to the food source. Sugar ants will feed on many things, but prefer greasy and or sweet foods. This attraction for sweets, has led pavement ants ( name used in the pest control trade), to be referred to as sugar ants by most homeowners. Sugar ants can be a particular nuisance in and around homes with slab-on-grade construction and any basement dwellings. Sugar ants are frequently seen trailing up the exterior foundations of homes. Also, since sugar ants live underground, entry into a home can even be obtained through hairline cracks in the foundation or basement floor, even in the middle of winter!

Amazing amazing experience! Very responsive, professional, with an excellent warranty!! Thank you so much to the guy who answers the phone to the technician Jon who came out and provided the service. John was so thorough and ensured when he was finished that the dog gates were closed and anything he drilled was swept up! Will use again for any future needs!

Gabriela Llanos

14:30 23 Apr 19

Karen Grabowski

21:42 22 Sep 19

Staff was friendly and helpful. Reasonable price and they came out the next day to help with our new problem. Highly recommend!

Amy Lowe

15:29 30 Jul 18

I have used Security Pest for years. If I find a bees’ nest around my house, they’re my first call. Always responsive, professional and reasonably priced.

Elle Michelle

13:05 14 Oct 19

I had a very positive experience with Security Pest. I purchased a new building and there was a Yellow jacket wasp nest in the eves under the roof. They were finding their way into the apartments and delaying the renovation process. John came out to treat the area and did a thorough job of dusting the nest on the roof. But this was mid fall & the wasps were persistent, so a week later they were still there. John came back out to treat a second time & the wasps decreased in number notably. But a week later there were a few stragglers, so John came out one last time to ensure they were gone for good! The job was guaranteed and if the wasps come back, even if it is to a different location, they will come out until the end of the season free of charge and ensure they are gone. Check out their website sometimes there is a coupon for a discount. Highly recommend!

Mary Jo Melloni

01:25 18 Sep 18

The gentleman who came and helped rid my chimney of hornets was very nice and helpful and thorough in his work. We are free of the hornets!

Chris Reed

15:18 16 Nov 19

The services provided were very professional and thorough. If you are having an issue with bees, yellow jackets, wasps or other pests, I highly recommend Security Pest Control & Termite Services. They did a complete job in getting rid of the Yellow Jacket nest that was a big nuisance.

Avery Morin

15:15 26 Mar 19

Professional and competent.

Susan Hart

16:18 28 Oct 18

Very professional. Arrived for appointment on time. Eliminated a significant infestation of bees in our eaves/attic.

John Rondeau

16:49 24 Feb 19

Needed a Termite Inspection done for my VA refinance so after checking all reviews and calling around I Chose Securty Pest control they came here they checked all floor levels and gave me an honest Inspection at a very reasonable rate. Most of all this person was on time.ThankyouJohn Rondeau Jr

Michael Hoagland

02:44 26 Sep 15

I have been a customer of Security Pest for years and recently received service that was above and beyond, compelling me to review here. It was only two days before my son's birthday party and we asked Security Pest to come to remove a vacant bird's nest from under our screened-in porch as well as treat against the residual bird mites that they left behind, which I had found out about from sitting in the porch myself and started to itch. I should have called weeks before to be honest, but life gets in the way and I put it off. Their first opening was a week out, but after hearing our story and the potential impact to our party, they made arrangements to their schedule to enable a technician to come out the very next day. The mites were treated and we were able to use the porch without any risk of bites from unwanted guests. I couldn't be more thankful for such a quick turn from Security Pest.I should mention that I also subscribe to their Residential Maintenance Program and while I don't know if that factored into their responsiveness, I do know it did not hurt. But if it did help, it made paying for the program all the more worthwhile to get the service I needed when I needed it.

Don Champagne

16:35 10 Dec 19

I suspected I had a problem with termites and did a look around the basement and found what appeared to be dead swamers on the floor.In a panic to address the issue before the ground froze I called Security Pest Control.They set up an inspection for the next morning.Their technician, John, arrived on time, listened to my concerns and after showing him the swamers I found, assured me that they were ants and not termites.He continued to share his knowledge with me to set my mind at ease.I asked if doing a termite job in the spring for piece of mind is worth it, he said that it is not necessary and wished me a Merry Christmas.I can't tell you how Merry my Christmas will be with the price of mind John gave me.I asked what the bill is and he said there is no charge and as before, just have a Merry ChristmasI highly recommend Security Pest Control and would not hesitate to call them with any concerns I have moving forward.Thank you so much.PS: They will get a call back in the spring to do an ant job.That's the least I owe them for the service they provided me today.

Matthew Gangi

17:45 25 Sep 18

I first contacted Security Pest to perform a termite inspection on my property and in my home. The worker who came by--I believe his name was John--was thorough, friendly, and informative; after consulting for over 30 minutes, he charged me zero for his time (having determined there wasn't a current infestation).This past August, I noticed yellowjacket activity on the side of my house in a slight gap which I could not treat myself. I called Security and they came out a few days later, spraying both the gap and a location near my attack to prevent escaping pests from invading the inside of my home. At present, there's no activity (and the company provided a six-month guarantee should any return).I was and am very satisfied with their service--highly recommended.

Tonia Higgins

02:20 17 Jun 18

First time customer here. Quick to schedule a time to come out to property. No issues. Would do business with them again.

Patrick Whelan

14:33 04 Jun 18

Great company. Called and man on phone was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Was able to schedule an appointment quickly (I was pressed for time due to selling house). The technician called in the morning to confirm his arrival time. He was also extremely professional, did a fantastic job, explained the warranty, etc. It was an excellent experience. I would STRONGLY recommend this company to anyone in the Dracut, Lowell area requiring these services.

Jin McLeod

15:21 14 Oct 18

Showed up right on time, explained exactly what he was going to do and was done within minutes. Yellow jackets are gone and haven't come back.

June Trickett

04:57 01 Jan 19

Security Pest was great! Called me right away came when they said they would. Great job no more squirrels in the attic.

Rosalie Dunbar

21:40 22 Aug 19

Security Pest has done work for me several times over the years. They are friendly, professional, and excellent! One visit had to do with rats, the most recent was with hornets. The men who came to help were patient, knowledgeable, and willing to answer my questions. Plus they are willing to work with you to solve the problem.

Amazing amazing experience! Very responsive, professional, with an excellent warranty!! Thank you so much to the guy who answers the phone to the technician Jon who came out and provided the service. John was so thorough and ensured when he was finished that the dog gates were closed and anything he drilled was swept up! Will use again for any future needs!

Gabriela Llanos

14:30 23 Apr 19

Karen Grabowski

21:42 22 Sep 19

Staff was friendly and helpful. Reasonable price and they came out the next day to help with our new problem. Highly recommend!

Amy Lowe

15:29 30 Jul 18

I have used Security Pest for years. If I find a bees’ nest around my house, they’re my first call. Always responsive, professional and reasonably priced.

Elle Michelle

13:05 14 Oct 19

I had a very positive experience with Security Pest. I purchased a new building and there was a Yellow jacket wasp nest in the eves under the roof. They were finding their way into the apartments and delaying the renovation process. John came out to treat the area and did a thorough job of dusting the nest on the roof. But this was mid fall & the wasps were persistent, so a week later they were still there. John came back out to treat a second time & the wasps decreased in number notably. But a week later there were a few stragglers, so John came out one last time to ensure they were gone for good! The job was guaranteed and if the wasps come back, even if it is to a different location, they will come out until the end of the season free of charge and ensure they are gone. Check out their website sometimes there is a coupon for a discount. Highly recommend!

Mary Jo Melloni

01:25 18 Sep 18

The gentleman who came and helped rid my chimney of hornets was very nice and helpful and thorough in his work. We are free of the hornets!

Chris Reed

15:18 16 Nov 19

The services provided were very professional and thorough. If you are having an issue with bees, yellow jackets, wasps or other pests, I highly recommend Security Pest Control & Termite Services. They did a complete job in getting rid of the Yellow Jacket nest that was a big nuisance.

Avery Morin

15:15 26 Mar 19

Professional and competent.

Susan Hart

16:18 28 Oct 18

Very professional. Arrived for appointment on time. Eliminated a significant infestation of bees in our eaves/attic.

John Rondeau

16:49 24 Feb 19

Needed a Termite Inspection done for my VA refinance so after checking all reviews and calling around I Chose Securty Pest control they came here they checked all floor levels and gave me an honest Inspection at a very reasonable rate. Most of all this person was on time.ThankyouJohn Rondeau Jr

Michael Hoagland

02:44 26 Sep 15

I have been a customer of Security Pest for years and recently received service that was above and beyond, compelling me to review here. It was only two days before my son's birthday party and we asked Security Pest to come to remove a vacant bird's nest from under our screened-in porch as well as treat against the residual bird mites that they left behind, which I had found out about from sitting in the porch myself and started to itch. I should have called weeks before to be honest, but life gets in the way and I put it off. Their first opening was a week out, but after hearing our story and the potential impact to our party, they made arrangements to their schedule to enable a technician to come out the very next day. The mites were treated and we were able to use the porch without any risk of bites from unwanted guests. I couldn't be more thankful for such a quick turn from Security Pest.I should mention that I also subscribe to their Residential Maintenance Program and while I don't know if that factored into their responsiveness, I do know it did not hurt. But if it did help, it made paying for the program all the more worthwhile to get the service I needed when I needed it.

Don Champagne

16:35 10 Dec 19

I suspected I had a problem with termites and did a look around the basement and found what appeared to be dead swamers on the floor.In a panic to address the issue before the ground froze I called Security Pest Control.They set up an inspection for the next morning.Their technician, John, arrived on time, listened to my concerns and after showing him the swamers I found, assured me that they were ants and not termites.He continued to share his knowledge with me to set my mind at ease.I asked if doing a termite job in the spring for piece of mind is worth it, he said that it is not necessary and wished me a Merry Christmas.I can't tell you how Merry my Christmas will be with the price of mind John gave me.I asked what the bill is and he said there is no charge and as before, just have a Merry ChristmasI highly recommend Security Pest Control and would not hesitate to call them with any concerns I have moving forward.Thank you so much.PS: They will get a call back in the spring to do an ant job.That's the least I owe them for the service they provided me today.

Matthew Gangi

17:45 25 Sep 18

I first contacted Security Pest to perform a termite inspection on my property and in my home. The worker who came by--I believe his name was John--was thorough, friendly, and informative; after consulting for over 30 minutes, he charged me zero for his time (having determined there wasn't a current infestation).This past August, I noticed yellowjacket activity on the side of my house in a slight gap which I could not treat myself. I called Security and they came out a few days later, spraying both the gap and a location near my attack to prevent escaping pests from invading the inside of my home. At present, there's no activity (and the company provided a six-month guarantee should any return).I was and am very satisfied with their service--highly recommended.

Tonia Higgins

02:20 17 Jun 18

First time customer here. Quick to schedule a time to come out to property. No issues. Would do business with them again.

Patrick Whelan

14:33 04 Jun 18

Great company. Called and man on phone was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Was able to schedule an appointment quickly (I was pressed for time due to selling house). The technician called in the morning to confirm his arrival time. He was also extremely professional, did a fantastic job, explained the warranty, etc. It was an excellent experience. I would STRONGLY recommend this company to anyone in the Dracut, Lowell area requiring these services.

Jin McLeod

15:21 14 Oct 18

Showed up right on time, explained exactly what he was going to do and was done within minutes. Yellow jackets are gone and haven't come back.

June Trickett

04:57 01 Jan 19

Security Pest was great! Called me right away came when they said they would. Great job no more squirrels in the attic.

Rosalie Dunbar

21:40 22 Aug 19

Security Pest has done work for me several times over the years. They are friendly, professional, and excellent! One visit had to do with rats, the most recent was with hornets. The men who came to help were patient, knowledgeable, and willing to answer my questions. Plus they are willing to work with you to solve the problem.